Brentford FC midfielder Gary Smith is set to be the subject of a multi-million pound court case later this month.
Former Manchester United starlet Ben Collett is making a claim against Smith and his former club Middlesbrough FC for a tackle Smith made during a reserve team match in May 2003, in which Collett broke his right leg in two places.
Smith and Middlesbrough have admitted liability through their insurers, and the settlement is said to be heading for the largest sports injury damages pay-out to date in the UK.
Sir Alex Ferguson will be among the witnesses giving evidence. Smith left Middlesbrough for Milton Keynes Dons and moved to Brentford last summer.
